Art in hospital for every child.

This project is produced by Art Explora in collaboration with It is Now, to present digital art in hospitals across Europe and to support children with special needs in hospital through playful, interactive and sensory experiences that are accessible to all.

Our mission

We work with digital artists to produce interactive and inclusive artworks which are installed in children’s hospitals across Europe.  

These immersive digital art installations have established health benefits for children with special educational needs (SEN) and physical disabilities by providing sensory stimulation, and encouraging creativity, curiosity and fun!

History of the project

In 2020: Danny Rose’s artwork “Reflections” was installed in the atrium of the Necker Hospital in Paris, which treats more than 30,000 children every year.

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“Plasma Reflection” distorts the reflection of its visitors, diffusing their silhouettes onto plasma screens. The interactive digital installation plunges visitors into the heart of the artwork and enhances their sense of physical space.

In 2023, Danny Rose’s artwork “Reflections” was installed in the lobby of the Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant in Lyon, where over 80,000 children are treated each year.

Antonin Fourneau's artwork "Sonoscriptum" was installed in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, marking the opening of the Village des Enfants Extraordinaires, a care centre dedicated to supporting children with multiple disabilities and their families.

"Hors du temps" by Mouawad/Laurier was installed at the Centre Robert Doisneau in Paris. The centre includes an Institute Medico Educatif (IME), and a care home for 300 residents and their families.

In 2023, the digital work "Hors du temps" by Mouawad/Laurier was installed on the Palliative Care/Chronic Illness floor of Hopital Sant Joan de Deu in Barcelona, which craes for 250,000 children every year. This was the first project installed in Spain.

Our 5 projects for 2024 :

• Hospital Pellegrin at Bordeaux University Hospital
• Toulouse University Hospital
• Saint-Pierre Institute
• Delafontaine Hospital in Saint-Denis
• King’s College Hospital in London

"The Enchanted Forest" by Sony Design was the first artwork installed in the UK at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, London. It was the first artwork that was designed with site and target audience specifically in mind.

Set within a magical forest landscape the artwork is designed to provide a moment of escapism from the immediate hospital surroundings. Children are encouraged to explore the landscape by moving their hands and bodies in front of the screen. Movements are reflected on screen as a roaming light, which causes plants and flowers to grow across the forest floor. Changing pathways of light, and the setting-sun, create the sense of time passing, while the noise of birdsong and rustling leaves deepens the children’s immersion in the mythical world.

The screens are situated within paediatric wing, next door to the rehabilitation centre and accessible to both out-patients and in-patients.  

“Sensory play is important for all children but for those with additional needs the stimulation can be of particular benefit. We are delighted to have been able to work with partners to enable the installation of the Enchanted Forest here at King’s. We look forward to our young patients interacting with the artwork and taking pleasure from it during their time with us.” - Sarah Harris, Head of Nursing for Child Health

"The Enchanted Forest" at King’s College Hospital is a project by Art Explora UK in collaboration with It Is Now. Content produced by Sony Design. The project has been supported by Art Explora and the King’s College Hospital Charity.

Our ambitions, your support

At the crossroads of art and technology, the programme conceived by It is Now and delivered by Art Explora provide a real contribution to children and families in hospital care.  

We want to continue to support this cause by installing  25 interactive artworks in hospitals across Europe by 2027. Your support is essential to help us offer a moment of joy and distraction to children with disabilities and their families.

How can you support us?  

You are a company:

By becoming a patron, you will be able to send a strong message to your employees and customers in line with your CSR approach. With your support, you will help sick and disabled children enjoy an artistic experience together, bringing a touch of creativity to the hospital.

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 You are a private individual:

Your donation is eligible for tax deduction and contributes to a cause of general interest, the inclusion of children with disabilities.

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Contact us:

• Art Explora: Mélanie Rodriguez – Head of Partnerships and Sponsorship - melanie.rodriguez@artexplora.org
• It is Now: Noémie Ganem - Founder of It Is Now - contact@itisnow.org

It is Now, created in February 2020, is a French association whose mission is to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities.